Happy Thanksgiving!

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. -Psalm 100 

Seriously Write is closed today to allow us to spend the holiday with our family and friends. We wish you a blessed and safe Thanksgiving. We will be back tomorrow and look forward to visiting with you then.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Seriously Write Team

Thanksgiving 2020 - What Are You Thankful For? by Terri Weldon

2020 has been a year for the record books and it is all too easy to focus on the negative. Since Seriously Write will be closed on Thanksgiving Day in the United States, I wanted to take a minute to talk about our blessings today. Then we can take the week leading up to Thanksgiving to reflect on the good things in our lives.

1. God is still soverign. No matter what happens we can hold firm and fast to that truth.

2. My household is COVID-19 free. In the state I live in the virus is running rampant, so I'm very thankful for a healthy family. 

3. I have a roof over my head and plenty of food to eat. Things I take for granted, but necessities many don't possess.

4. Friends I can keep in touch with via technology even when I'm not able to see them face to face.

But wait, Seriously Write is geared toward writers. So how does this apply? Here are a few writing blessings I'm thankful for.

1. More time to write. Normally my calendar is jampacked with more to do than I can get done. A slower paced life, even if it is forced on me, provides more writing time. Now to make myself take advantage of that writing time. 😉 

2. More online opportunities for learning than I've ever seen before! I attended two conferences and countless workshops.

3. NaNoWriMo. I'm not participating this year, but I've seen some fabulous word counts.

4. Trusting God like never before to decide which direction to take my writing.

a. Traditionally published or focus on indie. I'm not telling yet!

b. Trying a different genre. There is a genre I've been wanting to try for quite some time and I'm going to give it a whirl!

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

I hope you and your family have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving Day.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; His love endures forever. - 1 Chronicles 16:34 

Trusting God like never before to decide which direction to take my writing.

A Match Made in Sheffield 

by Terri Weldon

Natalie Benton bounced from one foster home to another until she landed on Ellie Alexander’s doorstep. Natalie’s vagabond childhood caused her to yearn for a secure life, which led to Natalie’s five-year plan: complete her law degree, marry the perfect man, become a partner at Montgomery, Haynes, and Preston, and produce one child. Getting arrested wasn’t in Natalie’s plan. Needing a public defender wasn’t in her plan. Falling for Grady Hunter, her public defender, definitely wasn’t in her plan. Can Grady convince Natalie there is more to life than her five-year plan? Is Ellie the only one who sees a future for Natalie and Grady?

Terri Weldon feels blessed to be a full time writer. She enjoys traveling, gardening, reading, and shopping for shoes. One of her favorite pastimes is volunteering as the librarian at her church. It allows her to shop for books and spend someone else’s money! Plus, she has the great joy of introducing people to Christian fiction. She lives with her family in the Heartland of the United States. Terri is a member of ACFW and RWA. Readers can connect with Terri on her Website: www.TerriWeldon.com 

Gratefulness By Laura V. Hilton

"Just Breathe" Coloring Sheet

Thanksgiving is approaching in a couple weeks. I’m kind of excited for it – my daughter will be home from college – and kind of dreading it as my husband will be working two different jobs and I have to work, too or else I’ll never reach my deadlines. 

I was thinking about what to say in my second to final post for this blog (I think) and God brought to mind the verse from Philippians 4:11: 

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

At the end of September, our church had its Fifth Sunday Singspiration and we were told that in order to request a favorite song we had to give a testimony. I think it was designed to work so that no one would request a favorite. 

And then we have me. I am a pastor’s wife. I may hate speaking in public but I can do it. If God gives me something to say. And I have a favorite song. (Insert big smile)

So the song leader looks at me after I request my favorite and says, “You have to give a testimony.” He had a look in his eye that said, “Yeah, she’s going to back out.”

I might have smirked as I stood and made my way to the front. 

The song leader told me I didn’t have to go up there. He knows me so well. 

I said, “It’s sort of an object lesson.”

Sort of, because I didn’t have a clue what I was going to say, just that I had some coloring pictures and God said, “Go.” 

So I went forward and shared how we were having money problems and didn’t know how we'd pay our bills past mid-October. I talked about how it worried me that we'd have to tell the girls that we wouldn’t have Christmas and how God said something to me that my husband always says, “Breathe. Just breathe. I got this.” 

Then I held up the coloring picture that said, “Just breathe.” 

Sure enough, God provided my husband with a second job so we would be able to meet our expenses. 

"As for me, I will always have hope." Psalm 71:14

Then I held up the second coloring page. 

“As for me, I will always have hope.” Psalm 71:14 

And I am still clinging to that HOPE, giving thanks for His provision, and in this time of not-plenty, I'm being content with what He provides. 

God is in control. Breathe. He’s got this. With God everything is possible. Nothing is impossible. 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Let’s give thanks to God right now for providing for our needs. As you pray the prayer below, share with us in the comment section.

Lord God, You are powerful and You are good. Please protect my relationship with You, keeping out anything that would take my eyes off You. Today I give thanks for _____________ Amen.


For more posts by Laura V. Hilton, click here.

About the Author

Award-winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and three of their children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom, and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor. Laura also has two adult children.

Laura V. HIlton

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as a three book Amish series with Whitaker House, The Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Bird House in September 2015.

See below for information on Laura's latest, The Christmas Admirer. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer.

Connect with Laura

http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q
visit her blog: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Laura_V_Hilton or @Laura_V_Hilton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/vernetlh/

Firestorm

Firestorm by Laura V. Hilton

    

Bridget Behr and her family migrate from the bustling Amish community where she grew up in Ohio to the mostly unpopulated Upper Peninsula of Michigan after a stalker breaks into their home. While her father and brother try to find work in the area, the family is forced to reside in a borrowed RV until the house and barn are rebuilt. While Bridget is hoping for a fresh start, she’s afraid to trust anyone—even Gabriel, the overly-friendly Amish man who lives nearby. Bridget thinks he’s a flirt who serial dates and doesn’t even remember the girls’ names.

Due to not enough construction work in his Florida community to keep him out of trouble, Gabriel Lapp has been sent to Michigan to work. His father is desperate for his son to settle down. When the family walks into Gabe’s home in the middle of a thunderstorm and he discovers their circumstances, he offers to help with construction. For Gabe, the beautiful girl he teasingly calls “the recluse” once he discovers she doesn’t attend youth events, confuses him like none other.

As Gabriel and Bridget grow closer, they realize there is more to a person than meets the eye. Just as Bridget is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding love, tragedy strikes. Now Bridget and her family must decide if they should move to another Amish community, or dare to fight for the future they’d hoped for in Mackinac County.

Thankful Despite by Cindy K. Sproles

I looked around my office and sighed. What a mess. Books stacked knee-high, papers separated in every vacant spot on the desk. My to-do list had been shoved from the refrigerator door to the living room to the bedroom … ending up in my office. Moving it didn’t seem to make it go away.

Cindy K. Sproles

The news roared from the downstairs television: attack on London, Barcelona, Brussels. I leaned against the door frame and bowed my head, “What next, Lord? What next?”

I used to love the holidays. Thanksgiving brought laughter and fun. Having tons of food and family was something I looked forward to. It seemed years ago when life was much simpler. My office wasn’t overrun with work, and the most the news had was the anticipation of the newest Macy’s Day parade floats. Now the holidays are dampened by disaster and sadness.

I kicked a box out of the way and made a split-second decision. I’m going to praise God despite the mess. I realized the world was doing to me just what Satan wanted it to do – drag me down. If it could blare the horrors of the news events at me, overwork me, AND make me miss my children worse than I normally do, then I was caving in to the sadness of sin. Satan was winning.

The writer of the Psalms must have realized this same thing. Chosen by God as the future king of Israel, David was just a child. God didn’t crown him and set him on the throne. Instead, he was sent back into the fields. There he learned about the hardships of life. Danger. Trust. And complete dependence upon God. There David found peace in praising God despite the trials.

These last few days I’ve spent the hard moments saying, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” And as I prepare for Christmas, I’ve decided to come before Him with thanksgiving and praise. True thanksgiving and praise.

When you feel the weight of the world bearing down this holiday season, rejoice in the Lord. Shout aloud to the Rock of your salvation. Go before Him with thanksgiving and praise. Great is His faithfulness. Strong is our praise. Let your thanksgiving be filled with praise.

About the Author

Cindy Sproles is an author and speaker. She is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries and the cowriter of the popular He Said, She Said Devotions written with her cofounder, Eddie Jones. She is a novelist and best-selling author. Cindy’s devotions and articles are published in Christian newspapers across the eastern seaboard, including having been used to represent legislature for protection of the elderly. She is a speaker to women’s conferences addressing not only the heart of women, but also their biblical responsibilities to their families.

She is the mother of four adult sons and lives in the mountains of East Tennessee with her husband. Cindy can be contacted at www.cindysproles.com or by emailing cindyksproles@gmail.com.

Liar's Winter
by Cindy K. Sproles

Liar's Winter

Lochiel Ogle was born with a red-wine birthmark--and it put her life in jeopardy from the moment she entered the world. Mountain folks called it "the mark of the devil," and for all the evil that has plagued her nineteen-year existence, Lochiel is ready to believe that is true. And the evil surely took control of the mind of the boy who stole her as an infant, bringing her home for his mother to raise.

Abused and abandoned by the only people she knows as family, Lochiel is rescued by a peddler and given the first glimpse of love she has ever known. The truth of her past is gradually revealed as is the fact that she is still hunted by a brother driven to see her dead. Unsure if there's anyone she can truly trust, Lochiel is faced with a series of choices: Will she continue to run for escape or will she face her past and accept the heartbreaking secrets it reveals? Which will truly free her?

Set in the wild and beautiful Appalachian Mountains of nineteenth-century East Tennessee, Liar's Winter is an unflinching yet inspirational exploration of prejudice and choice.

Buy From: Amazon

Originally posted on He Said, She Said, November, 2015. 

Tending To My Spiritual Lamp by Marianne Evans

Marianne Evans

It’s nearing the end of November. As I write this blog post, we’re just days away from the celebration of Thanksgiving. Family gatherings are being planned; mom’s on her way in for a visit; packages are arriving almost daily now and shopping excursions are in the works as I begin the process of finding the perfect Christmas presents.

I can feel it coming, friends—and maybe you’re in the same boat. The holidays are on fast approach with fun to be had, and precious memories to be made, but there are stresses as well. For example, that seemingly endless ‘to do’ list in need of attention, the book that’s burning to be written, a hectic work schedule in the 9 to 5 world, friends and family connections to savor.

When commitments and time-crunches come about, what can be done to keep our Spiritual lamps from going dry? I’ll admit, I have no easy answers. Finding center, and peace, during such a busy season of the year never fails to challenge me. I tend to be the one who runs and runs until, suddenly, the needle hits ‘empty.’ On our way home from church this morning, I said to my husband I really want to find quiet time during the holidays to simply absorb. To consider the benefits of my life during the past year and the myriad ways God has performed His loving strokes against my soul.

And therein is the key. No matter how crazy things get in life, I need to remember to bring gratitude to all that I do, and experience. Another important thing I strive to do is create guilt-free down time wherein I might simply spend an hour enjoying my decked-out home and tree, or crafting magic within the pages of my WIP, or enjoying a classic movie or Hallmark Channel offering. Most especially, when day is done, and I read my devotionals before dropping off to sleep, I need to remember to pray over the blessings and challenges of the past 365 days.

Christmas, and the oncoming New Year are a perfect opportunity to do just that, no matter how fast we run, right? And, those practices must might help re-fill our inner lamps with God’s Spirit of love and compassion and gratitude.

Blessings on your journey, friends!

~~~~~

Ashley Coratini is bucking her family, and the odds, by embracing the chance to pursue a dream. During a three-week trip to Florence, Italy, she’s determined to immerse herself in the world of art and to explore the gifts God has given her.

Widower Luca DeRosa owns and operates a premiere art gallery at the heart of Florence. He’s just over a year away from turning forty, but doesn’t mind the milestone. He enjoys a life spent raising his five-year-old son and scouting artistic talent. When he comes upon Ashley, he’s captivated by her artistic skills and fluid grace, and he sees to it that Ashley’s dreams take off at high velocity.

But as love blooms, questions mount. Will Ashley embrace her gifts and a life in Italy that’s worlds different than the one waiting at home in America? Can Luca trust his heart and instincts enough to embrace the love of a vibrant young woman whose spirit speaks to him so deeply?

What comes next when the dreams they dare to dream really might come true…?

~~~~~

Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create. Readers laude her work as “Riveting,” “Realistic and true to heart,” “Compelling.” Her Christian fiction debut, Devotion, earned the Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Her follow-up novel, Forgiveness, earned Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year honors as did her book Hearts Communion. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award for her books Then & Now and Finding Home. Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President. You can connect with Marianne at www.marianneevans.com.

Where He Leads...

Autumn is my favorite time of year! I enjoy all those plump pumpkins spilling over the steps of front porches, cheering for the Carolina Panthers, the sound of dried leaves crackling under my shoes, and hanging out with my family. And when the first scent of burning firewood drifts in on a brisk breeze, I know it’s time to pull out the sweaters and kiss summer farewell.

Other than the occasional allergy flare, season changes are easy for me. I’m always ready for the next one, eager to switch my shorts for long pants and vice versa. Other changes are not so simple or painless. Like sacrifices that need to be made for the sake of time. Or saying goodbye, leaving a sweet place of fellowship and friendship, because of a change in direction.

A new year is almost upon us. A fresh slate. A chance for new beginnings. But, just like the Israelites poised on the verge of entering the Promised Land, it’s also a chance to look back and give thanks for God’s blessings, His protection and provision.

We don't always like to look backwards, do we? Usually that means staring at our mistakes, our glaring failures, our regrets.

But that’s also how we realize God's goodness, His leading and guidance, and a time to reflect on His intervention and protection.

Where He led, the Israelites followed. Where He leads, I will follow.

I've been doing a lot of soul searching lately, especially in regards to my writing. God's prompting me to dig deep and try new things, to release my dreams and fears to Him, to spread my wings and soar over unfamiliar waters, to reach out and love more.

What does that mean? I don't know exactly, but I trust God. If He points to a road and says, "Go that way. I want you to meet somebody," (Acts 8:26-40), who am I to argue? I'll try not to allow fear or doubt to squelch that giant swell of anticipation that's building and rising for the journey ahead. Where He leads, I will follow.

Who does God want me to connect with this year? 

Who does God want you to meet?

When I look back over the last few years, I see how God poured out love and encouragement through my friends here at Seriously Write. How He shaped and crafted me into the writer I am today through the gracious writers who so willingly shared their talent and experiences.

With a heavy but grateful heart, I say goodbye to my sweet friends at Seriously Write today with this, my last regular post. You are some of my greatest blessings. Wishing you all a glorious Thanksgiving, continued growth in your writing, and a refreshing of your spirit in 2016!

"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake." Ps 23:1-3 NIV

Dora Hiers is a multi-published author of Heart Racing, God-Gracing romances. She’s a member of RWA and her local chapter, Carolina Romance Writers. Connect with her on Seriously Write, Fiction Faith & Foodies, Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.

Will Your Words Have An Impact? by Sandra Ardoin

We’re a nation of people who have long expressed our gratitude for our blessings by celebrating those bounties on a special day.

From our youngest years, we’re taught the Pilgrim’s story and about various harvest festivals held throughout history to show our thanks for God’s provision. These celebrations took an official, national turn in 1789 when George Washington was urged to proclaim a day of thanksgiving for the successful end to the American Revolution. This celebration continued in some form and length until the early 1800s. Then it became a scattered event with states and cities setting aside their own holidays.

But along came Sarah Josepha Hale, writer (remember “Mary Had a Little Lamb?”) and editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book. Though she wasn’t a suffragist or what we might call a feminist, she was an influential woman in a time when men were considered the leaders outside the home.

Sarah advocated for years for a formal, national day of Thanksgiving. Beginning in the latter 1820s, she wrote editorials and letters to politicians urging them to make one day standard for the whole country.

Finally, in 1863, President Lincoln signed a proclamation that set aside the last Thursday of November as a time of praise to God for all He’s given us. After almost forty years, Sarah Hale was successful in her letter-writing campaign. Part of that proclamation is below:

“I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”

From the proclamation written by William Seward and signed by President Abraham Lincoln.

And what is the writer takeaway from this history lesson? Perseverance and Hope. Never give up and never believe that your words can’t affect someone else’s life. Had Sarah Hale stopped writing her letters after the first year or two, tomorrow might be just another work day.

Remember, it only takes the right person to read your words to create an eternal impact.

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Will you share an experience when you learned that something you wrote impacted another person's life?

~~~~~

Sandra Ardoin writes inspirational historical romance. She’s the author of The Yuletide Angel and A Reluctant Melody. A wife and mom, she’s also a reader, football fan, NASCAR watcher, garden planter, country music listener, antique store prowler. Visit her at www.sandraardoin.com and on the Seriously Write blog. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Become a part of her email community to receive occasional updates and a free short story.

A Reluctant Melody releases January 2016.

Give Thanks by Terri Weldon

Terri Weldon

The Bible tell us, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His faithful love continues forever.” While I believe this is something God intends for us to do daily, this time of year as our minds turn to Thanksgiving in the United States we become more focused on the blessings the Lord has given us. Oh, I’m not saying nothing ever goes wrong in life or that there aren’t many things we wish we’d done differently. I know there are countless decisions that if I had to do them over again I would change, but guess what? There is no rewind button in life. Not in our family life, not in our day jobs, and not in our writing life.

Procrastination is a horrible problem for me. Not only in writing, but in everything. Earlier this week I ordered movie tickets and I had to choose a date an entire week later than I planned. Know why? Yep, the big PROCRASTINATION. I let the email telling me about ordering advance tickets sit in my inbox for way too long before acting on it. What’s worse, I had read it. I just waited to follow through. Now obviously that’s a movie so nothing horrible in life is going to happen. Still I can give thanks because I purchased great seats closer to Christmas and it can be holiday fun.

What if that had been a book? Hmm, ramifications would have been a bit worse. I might have missed the window of opportunity all together. Know what’s worse? I’ve done that. Even as I type this, I’m behind where I want to be and should be on some revisions. Anything to give thanks for there? You bet. I was asked for revisions, so the editor saw something in my writing she liked. Also, if I’ll heed my own advice here I can work like a madwoman (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it) and crank these revisions out on my own self-imposed deadline.

Still the thing I’m most thankful for this year is that my sister had a serious surgery and came out just fine and dandy. Now that may seem off topic, but I believe it is a matter of remembering our priorities. Writing, especially writing for the Lord, is a wonderful thing to do. But when all is said and done there is nothing as important as our relationship with our Creator and our families.

So this year when I gather around the table with my family and give thanks for my blessings, writing won’t be my number one priority. Not even my number two. Think what you want about that, but to me the opportunity to spend a day with my best friend and sister tops that hands down. And that is what I’ll be thanking God for.

What about you? What do you plan on giving thanks for on Thanksgiving Day? I hope you’ll share with me. Whatever it is, I pray you and your family will have a blessed day.

****

Purchase Link

Misty Winslow is determined to find her prince, and she meets the man of her dreams through an Internet dating service. Or is he, because the new dentist in town also sets her heart aflutter.

It's love at first sight for Tyler Davenport, but before he can finish his first root canal, Misty is involved in an exclusive online romance with Wes99—Tyler’s online persona. How can he tell her he’s the man she’s been waiting to meet, and how rational is it for him to be jealous of Wes99! Soon Tyler's pulling out all the stops to woo Misty.

As Christmas approaches, Wes99 and Tyler both ask her to meet them under the mistletoe. Which man will she choose?

Terri is a lead analyst by day and an author by night. She enjoys gardening, reading, and playing in the hand bell choir. One of her favorite pastimes is volunteering as the librarian at her church. It allows her to shop for books and spend someone else’s money! Plus, she has the great joy of introducing people to Christian fiction.

She lives with her family in Oklahoma. Terri has three dogs – a lovable mutt and two adorable Westies.


Terri is a member of ACFW and OCFW, a local chapter of ACFW. Her dream of becoming a published novelist came true in November 2013 when Mistletoe Magic released from White Rose Publishing. To learn more about Terri visit her website at www.TerriWeldon.com.

Writing Thankful by Heidi Chiavaroli

Heidi Chiavaroli

Two weeks ago, I thought I knew all about being thankful. I mean, I thank God every day for the blessings of my life—a home, a loving husband, two kids who make me laugh when they’re not making me pull my hair out, a warm bed, a sweet dog, and of course my salvation.

And those are good things—amazing things—to be thankful for. But why should I stop there? This past week I read Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts. I’ve heard wonderful things about this book, but never picked it up until now.

I shouldn’t have waited.

This is not a book review, it’s a life review. My life. As I reviewed the last thirty-three years of my existence, I realized I hadn’t lived thankfulness, I hadn’t lived fully.

Voskamp claims that we unwrap joy when we give thanks. And she’s not talking about just giving thanks for the visible blessings we perceive. She’s talking about searching out thankfulness, giving thanks in the trials and situations we wouldn’t normally find thanks in.

I tried this the other day when Son #1 threw a Styrofoam ball in anger at Son #2. Instead of letting my anger—what I often perceive as righteous anger, but is really quite lacking in righteousness—take hold, I stopped. I thanked the God of the universe for these two boys who grew within me and who I love with a crazy kind of love. Then I thanked God for balls—Styrofoam or otherwise. Silly? Maybe, but the simple act of thanksgiving snuffed out the act of knee-jerk anger. I was able to deal with the situation with a bigger picture in mind. I know I won’t do this perfectly all the time. But if I could consciously remind myself to be thankful in all things, I know I would live joy.

What about writing? Too often I find myself groaning over much-sought-after results. When is the last time I was simply thankful for the ability to write? The ability to string words into sentences, sentences into paragraphs, paragraphs into stories? What an awesome privilege to make stories out of nothing, to learn about myself and humanity in the art of a story.

For as Voskamp says, “Why doubt the dare to fully live? Now and right here. Why not let all of life be penetrated by grace, gratitude, joy? This is the only way to welcome the Kingdom of God.”

I hope this Thanksgiving is especially meaningful as you ponder what true thanksgiving is all about. I invite you to join me in writing thankful. Blessings!

****

Heidi Chiavaroli writes History Woven in Grace. She is a wife, mother, disciple, and grace-clinger. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and has finaled in the Genesis contest and My Book Therapy’s Frasier contest.

Being Thankful For A Writing Community by Phyllis Keels

At this time of year, we drag out the china, baste the turkey, and gather around the table with friends and family. It's a special time to ponder God's provisions. God provides special blessings for writers, too. Today, author Phyllis Keels shares something she is thankful for when it comes to writing. -- Sandy

Phyllis: You know what I like about the writing community? Well, a whole lot of things, but the thing I like the most is its collaborative and not competitive nature. Do you see it too? I see it all the time.

• Experienced writers who willingly share what they’ve learned with others who are just starting out.

• Celebrating with another writer who, after years of hard work, hears good news from an agent or publisher.

• The eagerness of writers to share resources, and offer their time to review or critique another writer’s work.

There are so many examples of this collaborative nature of writers. I’ve been the recipient of more generosity from them than I can count. I’ve also been blessed to be in a position to give these things to others.

That is probably why we do it. The joy of passing along what we have learned, things that save someone else the pain we went through. It’s what we do for our children. We want them to learn from our mistakes, so they will be better than we are.

This collaborative approach is a beautiful picture of how the body of Christ is supposed to function. No competition, just a willingness to share, and the desire for others to excel, to shine in using their gifts. What it really shows us is the truth that those who humble themselves will be exalted.

When we place someone else’s need above our own desires (perhaps to guard our time, or to be successful); when we offer help to someone else, then we elevate that person above us.

Jesus said that if we do this, we will be in a place of honor. Our Heavenly Father Himself will honor us. Even though we do not do these things for the honor of it, it is perfectly acceptable to be grateful for this honor from the Lord. In that moment of being grateful, we are passing the honor onto the One to whom it really belongs – the Lord Jesus.

That is the heart of thanksgiving.

This year, I will take time to be thankful for every writer who ever helped me, to each one who shared what he or she knows, to all who offered valuable time and gave it freely.

In this way, I can offer praise to my Lord who loves me, and blesses me so richly every day of my life, by making me part of this giving community of writers.

So pull up a chair around the table and share with your fellow writers how God has blessed you in your writing this year. 

~~~

Phyllis Keels is an award-winning author, as well as a speaker, an illustrator, and a woman after God’s own heart.

In her writing and speaking, she calls women to a deeper level of honesty and intimacy with our Lord Jesus Christ as they learn to cling to Him in life’s valleys.

A deaconess of her church, Phyllis teaches Bible study, speaks, and is watchful to use any opportunity to minister to hurting women of all ages.

Phyllis’ passion is that others may also know the Lord is faithful, and that Jesus is intimately aware of our suffering. She proclaims our Heavenly Father’s promise that He is indeed near to the brokenhearted.

A full-time writer, speaker, and business owner of The Gifted Writer, LLC, Phyllis lives in North Carolina, with her son and two really big dogs.

You can read more about Phyllis or follow her:

·         Website: www.PhyllisKeels.com

·         Twitter: @PhyllisKeels

·         Facebook Author Page: Phyllis.Keels

·         Goodreads: Phyllis Keels

·         Pinterest: www.Pinterest.com/PhyllisKeels

·         Blog: www.TheGiftedWriterLLC.com

We Give Thanks

Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.” (Psalm 100:4 NIV)

Dear Readers,

Annette, Ocieanna, and I are so grateful for you and the many guest authors who contributed to Seriously Write’s success this year. Thank you!

As we gather with families and friends on this special holiday, we hope that you, too, are enjoying a wonderful day.

On behalf of our readers, we want to thank and praise our loving God.


Lord,

This Thanksgiving Day we’re filled with gratitude for the many blessings in our lives.

Thank you for …

Husbands and wives who believe in us and our dreams

Patient children, who at times must wait for our attention

Friends who support a passion they don’t always understand

Critique groups who provide encouragement and honest feedback

Mentors who teach and help guide us on this journey

Agents who look out for our best interest

Editors who assist in taking our work to a higher level

Good health while struggling to meet deadlines

Writer friends who understand us and our world, as only other writers can

And Lord, thank you also for …

Imagination

Characters who breathe, live, and grow on the page

Plot solutions that arrive in the middle of the night

The ability to give hope and inspiration through story

The privilege to share your love and forgiveness through our words

Amen

Giving Thanks and Giving Back

Giving Thanks and Giving Back
Net's Notations Tuesdays
New Commitments Series

Hey readers, Annette here. It's almost Thanksgiving! I've been thinking lately about how thankful I am for the many, many writers who have influenced my writing, encouraged me, critiqued my work, taught a workshop I attended, etc.

Long before I ever started plotting stories in my head, or seeing scenarios consisting of characters of my own invention depicting scenes of my own invention, I read books by talented authors. And without even knowing me, they inspired me, influenced me.

Later, the day came when I chose to write and gave it a try, thinking, vainly, I could jump right in and make a success of it. Ha! Twelve years later I’m still learning (which won’t stop). I have a pile of unpublished manuscripts hoping for homes while I try new projects. I’m a reader, writer and editor, and I know this is where I’m called to be.

There are authors with tons more experience than me. And there are writers with less experience than me. I land on the line somewhere, just like you. If you’re of the mind to help writers/authors, here are some ideas:

~ You could offer advice, encouragement, lessons in your strengths.
~ You could serve as an influencer and encourage readers to buy your favorite books.
~ You could post book reviews online.
~ You could blog on writing.
~ You could critique someone else’s work and offer your opinion.

There are many ways you could give back to the writing community. Giving back may require a new commitment. If so, I encourage you to make it. There is so much joy in giving.

This season as we give thanks and look forward to Christmas, consider the various ways you could give back to those who’ve helped you along your writing path. You might be surprised how God blesses you in the blessing.

Giving Thanks

Thursdays - Devotions for Writers

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.” (Psalm 100: 4 NIV)

Lord,

This Thanksgiving Day we’re filled with gratitude for the many blessings in our lives.

Thank you for . . .

Husbands and wives who believe in us and our dreams.

Patient children, who at times must wait for our attention.

Friends who support a passion they don’t always understand.

Critique groups who provide encouragement and honest feedback.

Mentors who teach and help guide us.

Agents who look out for our best interest.

Editors who assist in taking our work to a higher level.

Good health while struggling to meet deadlines.

Writer friends who understand us, as only other writers can.

And Lord, thank you also for . . .

The gift of imagination.

Characters who breathe, live, and grow on the page.

Plot solutions that arrive in the middle of the night.

The ability to give hope and inspiration through story.

The privilege to share Your love and forgiveness through our words.

Amen